West Africans brought to the South Carolina and Georgia coasts as slaves settled on geographically isolated plantations whose owners often were absent. Such conditions allowed lowcountry slaves to retain more of their language, beliefs and customs than was possible in other areas. These African-Americans adapted many traditions to their new circumstances. The resulting culture has come to be known as Gullah. A descendant of these West African slaves, Agnes Brown has lived her entire life in McClellanville, South Carolina.

Agnes Brown Photos | Digital Traditions
Agnes Brown Photos | Digital Traditions

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West Africans brought to the South Carolina and Georgia coasts as slaves settled on geographically isolated plantations whose owners often were absent. Such conditions allowed lowcountry slaves to...